Painting for a Cause: Pelican's on Parade

When I heard about the Acadiana Center of the Art’s Pelican's on Parade, which also serves as a fundraising event, I was immediately drawn to the opportunity. The event supports local arts and culture, and as an artist, I knew I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way. I decided in 2024 to apply for the event, eager to participate in such a meaningful opportunity.

The Submission Process

The Acadiana Center of the Arts provides a basic template to sketch out concepts. Artists must be from the Acadiana parishes to participate. Artists have the option to submit a design for a large 4-foot pelican, which we often see displayed around town in Lafayette, or a smaller 12-inch pelican. I wanted my design to reflect the beauty of Louisiana’s landscapes. After refining my vision, I submitted my design, choosing to apply for both size pelicans as well as the ghost pelican. The ghost pelican is a blank pelican that allows the auction winner to pick an artist of their choosing to collaborate with.

A Swamp Scene Revisited

I was chosen to be one of four artists to paint a 12-inch ceramic pelican that would be part of a silent auction at the Pelican Ball. After reviewing the submissions, the panel reached out with exciting feedback. They had loved my most recent swamp mural—one that showcased Louisiana’s rich wetlands. They asked if I would recreate that concept for the pelican, and I happily agreed. It felt like a full-circle moment to bring a piece of that mural’s spirit into this project.

Bringing the Pelican to Life

The composition is inspired by the lake at Chicot State Park, a place where I often find peace and reflection. Loosely based on images from my camping trips, I aimed to capture the stillness of cypress trees draped in moss and the gentle presence of nature. Watching the birds and the soft flow of life on the water brings me a deep sense of joy and calm that I hope resonates through the artwork.

With the design finalized, it was time to paint. I scheduled to pick up my pelican at the Acadiana Center of the Arts, and the blank pelican became my canvas.  I primed the pelican, then began layering acrylics to build depth, capturing the tranquil cypress trees, the reflections of water, and texture of the moss. I wanted to ensure that every detail evoked the essence of Louisiana’s swamplands. The process was fulfilling, and I loved seeing the transformation take shape.

Celebrating at the Pelican Ball

Once my pelican was complete and safely delivered back to the ACA, it was ready to be showcased at the ACA’s Pelican Ball. The event was a stunning celebration of local art, filled with beautifully painted pelicans, passionate supporters, and a vibrant creative energy. Seeing my work among an array of talent was an unforgettable experience. It was wonderful to witness the impact of our collective efforts to support the arts.

Final Thoughts

After the event, the winner of the silent auction reached out to share that he had gifted the pelican to a family—one that also shares a love for camping trips to Chicot. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the piece has found a home where it will be cherished and appreciated.

Being a part of the Pelican Ball fundraiser was an incredible experience. It was an opportunity to contribute to a cause I deeply believe in while pushing my creative boundaries. I’m grateful for the chance to share my work in this unique way and to help bring attention to the beauty of Louisiana’s landscapes. I can’t wait for the next opportunity to merge art and community in meaningful ways!